Probably one of the most unique tastings I have ever done, because instead of my choosing off the menu and pairing my delicacies with wine, the food was pretty much buffet style with some offerings, but really not what I am used to.
Owner Alberto is extremely charming; he should have planned better for my visit. I can see if I had gone on a night when it was order off the menu anything you like, I might have been able to really review Eleven Wine Lounge. But Eleven Wine Lounge was part of the Vintners Wine event during the day and did not want to do their usual service. The ceviche I tried was actually from the wine event during the day, and as good as it was it still was a let down from my usual tastings. If you want a food reviewer to speak kindly of you and your establishment then pull out all of the stops and make there night memorable. I see that their reviews online are good, but unfortunately for them I did not taste any of their food off of menu, so I am unable to comment.
The interior is very inviting with all of the great tables, floors, chairs etc. all hand made by Alberto himself. I did try two nice white wines that would have been great with his scallops or his oysters, but I had to enjoy them on their own merit, which was still pretty spectacular by my own standards.
So there you have it, a very quick review for a very unmemorable evening, sorry Alberto, I really adored you and your stories, really wish I could have felt the same about your food. Maybe next time I can actually try your food from your menu, if there is a next time.
Eleven Wine Lounge
3640 Sagunto St
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 691-9134
elevenwinelounge.com
